COSTA RICA + PANAMA + COLOMBIA

SCHEDULE AND COST:


Dates: April 20 - 30, 2024

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Cost per person:

- Cabin with window OM4, 19 sq.m - 6601$ 3360$
- Cabin with window OM4, 19 sq.m - 6872$ 3585$
- Cabin with balcony BD5, 28 sq.m - 8225$ 4185$
- Cabin with balcony BM5, 28 sq.m - 8581$ 4410$
- Juniour Suite 11220$ 5610$
- Suite, 44 sq.m - 11670$ 5835$
- Premium Suite, 49 sq.m -12870$ 6435$


**The cost per person depends on the chosen cabin type and deck (based on double occupancy).

The approximate cost of the flight to San Jose: $1000 - $1500.
The approximate cost of the flight from Cartagena: $1500.


TRAVEL PROGRAM: COSTA-RICA CRUISE

Day 0. April 19, 2024. Departure to San Jose.

The journey begins with a meeting at the San Jose airport, where you will be greeted by a representative from Swan Hellenic. An organized transfer will take you to the hotel.

*Recommended flight:
- Turkish Airlines from Moscow on April 19 at 6:30 with a layover in Istanbul for 3 hours and 45 minutes, departure from Istanbul at 14:20 with a layover in Panama for 1 hour and 34 minutes, and finally, departure from Panama with Copa Airlines at 21:34, arriving in San Jose at 21:56 on April 19.
Meals included: No
Accommodation: No



Day 1. April 20, 2024. Puntarenas. Setting Sail.

Puntarenas is a place where you can immerse yourself in the authentic and diverse culture of Costa Rica. Located on a narrow peninsula stretching into the Pacific Ocean, Puntarenas is popular among locals and tourists who come to enjoy its beaches, seafood, and carnival atmosphere. Puntarenas also serves as a gateway to exploring the natural wonders of the region, including the islands of Tortuga, Chira, Cocos, the Nicoya Peninsula, and Monteverde's cloud forest.

Meals: All-inclusive
Accommodation: In cabins on the yacht



Day 2. April 21, 2024. Curu Wildlife Reserve. Tortuga Island.

The Curu Wildlife Reserve is located at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, near the town of Paquera. It is a true gem for nature lovers, offering diverse habitats such as tropical forests, mangrove swamps, meadows, and beaches. The reserve is home to a multitude of animal species, including monkeys, deer, armadillos, iguanas, and various bird species.

HIKING TOUR THROUGH THE RESERVE Included 2 hours In the reserve, your naturalist guide will introduce you to the variety of wildlife present, including up to 200 bird species, capuchin and howler monkeys, as well as lizards and spiders. Curu's trail is part of the first private national wildlife reserve in Costa Rica and serves as an example of a successful sustainable development program, preserving endangered and threatened forest habitats such as mangrove swamps, tropical wet and dry forests, and coral reefs.

Tortuga Island is a tropical island in the Gulf of Nicoya, off the coast of Costa Rica. It is a popular destination for day trips from the mainland, thanks to its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear blue waters.

SNORKELING WITH THE SWAN HELLENIC EXPEDITION TEAM Included 2 hours Observe fish, angelfish, octopuses, rays, and common dolphins. Enjoy the impressive island, covered with forest and surrounded by rich marine life.

Meals: All-inclusive
Accommodation: In cabins on the yacht



Day 3. April 22, 2024. Quepos City. Manuel Antonio National Park.

The lively city of Quepos serves as an excellent base for visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica. The park has it all: beautiful mountain views, mangrove forests, lagoons, beaches, and lush rainforests. With over 350 bird species and more than 100 mammal species, wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted. Take a stroll along the spectacular Perezoso trail to see scarlet macaws, toucans, hawks, sloths, armadillos, and much more. Upon returning to Quepos, wander around the beautiful Pez Vela Marina to see impressive fishing boats.

WALK IN MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK Included 4 hours and 30 minutes The dense tropical forest reveals its trails, where your naturalist guide will provide you with all the information about the transitional forest. This walk is one of the best on the Central Coast and a great opportunity to get closer to the forest. After a short journey, your walk will lead you to the beach, where you'll have time to sunbathe.

Meals: All-inclusive
Accommodation: In cabins on the yacht



Day 4. April 23, 2024. Golfito Bay. Piedras Blancas National Park.

The deep and well-protected Golfo Dulce, or "Sweet Gulf," bathes the eastern coast of the Osa Peninsula. The northeastern part of the bay is part of the 35,000-acre Piedras Blancas National Park, a stunning forested area that was formerly part of Corcovado National Park and still preserves incredible biodiversity. Exploring the lush rainforest here, you'll come face to face with some of the tallest trees in the world. You may also discover beautiful waterfalls and encounter toucans, macaws, anteaters, sloths, howler monkeys, and more.

PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK Included 4 hours Explore Piedras Blancas National Park, considered by many experts as the best birdwatching spot in Costa Rica. Enjoy a short coastal drive around Golfito. Visit the mysterious stone spheres and an old steam locomotive used in the 18th century to transport crops from fields to the port.

Meals: All-inclusive
Accommodation: In cabins on the yacht



Day 5. April 24, 2024. Sebaco Island. Panama

Sebaco Island is a private island in the Gulf of Montijo, off the coast of Panama. It is a true gem for nature enthusiasts who can enjoy its untouched beaches, lush forests, and rich wildlife. Sebaco Island is ideal for diving, snorkeling, fishing, and hiking, as it is home to a diverse marine life, including fish, rays, and turtles.

Meals: All-inclusive
Accommodation: In cabins on the yacht



Day 6. April 25, 2024. Darien Jungle, Playa del Muerto.

Today, we will visit an authentic Embera tribe in the jungles of Darien National Park, a community that rarely receives outside visitors. After a brief introduction to local customs, you will meet the indigenous population, explore their village, and perhaps engage in a game of volleyball with the locals. Learn how the Embera rely on the jungle, using its plants for food, medicine, and clothing. This unique visit will provide you with an immersion into an ancient culture that thrives in the wilds of Panama.

EMBERA VILLAGE EXPLORATION WITH THE SWAN HELLENIC EXPEDITION TEAM Included 2 hours The Darien region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the outskirts of Darien National Park. Witness a performance by local residents adorned with tattoos, performing traditional dances, and admire their intricate decorations. Purchase souvenirs such as carved cocobolo wood and tagua nut (vegetable ivory) handicrafts.

Meals: All-inclusive
Accommodation: In cabins on the yacht



Day 7. April 26, 2024. Fuerte Amador (Panama City).

Located west of Panama City, at the Pacific end of the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is an artificial causeway built from material excavated during the canal's construction. Before boarding your boutique cruise ship, be sure to visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. Here, you'll learn about the impressive engineering embedded in the construction of this legendary waterway. Watch as mighty barges navigate their way through the canal from the panoramic viewing platform. A short taxi ride from here takes you to modern and picturesque Panama City, which has developed around its port roots.

Admire the contrast of elegant skyscrapers against the backdrop of historic Casco Viejo, the old town. Stroll along the Amador Causeway, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the city skyline. Explore the Biomuseo, a unique museum designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, showcasing the richness of Panama's biodiversity and ecological significance. Enjoy the diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife in this cosmopolitan city. Before embarking on your cruise from Fuerte Amador, immerse yourself in the dynamic culture and history that Panama City has to offer.

PANAMA CITY HIGHLIGHTS Included 4 hours and 30 minutes Explore the must-visit landmarks of Old Panama and Colonial Panama, its successor. Hear tales of the lawless plunder and destruction of Old Panama by Captain Henry Morgan. Observe historical buildings with French and Spanish architecture.

Meals: All-inclusive
Accommodation: In cabins on the yacht



Day 8. April 27, 2024. Panama Canal Cruise.

A cruise through the Panama Canal is an impressive experience that allows you to witness one of the most remarkable human achievements in the world. The Panama Canal is a 48-mile waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving ships the journey around South America. Cruising through the Panama Canal offers breathtaking views as you pass through three lock chambers, an artificial lake, and a narrow mountain gorge. An unforgettable adventure that you will cherish forever.

Meals: All-inclusive
Accommodation: In cabins on the yacht



Day 9. April 28, 2024. San Blas Archipelago, Lemon Island.

Lemon Island is one of the 49 inhabited islands in the San Blas Archipelago, a stunning network of cays and islands off the coast of Panama. It's a small secluded island where you can enjoy pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees. Lemon Island is home to the Guna community, the indigenous people who live in traditional huts and welcome visitors with their hospitality and culture.

Meals: All-inclusive
Accommodation: In cabins on the yacht



Days 10-11. April 29-30, 2024. Cartagena. Columbia

Within the walled Old City of Cartagena, a historic coastal city in Colombia, 16th- to 18th-century military architecture, unmatched in the Americas, stands tall. Vibrant streets host museums like the Gold Museum, overlooked by the hilltop Castillo San Felipe fortress. Along the picturesque coast, La Boquilla fishing village is known for folkloric drumming and dancing and is the gateway to one of Colombia's largest mangrove forests.

City Tour of Cartagena Included 4 hours and 15 minutes Marvel at Cartagena from the top of the fortress, providing a magnificent panoramic view. Stroll through the atmospheric Old Town of Cartagena. Visit the Gold Museum.

Meals: All-inclusive
Accommodation: In cabins on the yacht

*Recommended Flight:
- Copa Airlines with a layover in Panama, departure from Cartagena on April 30 at 15:29, layover in Panama 4 hours and 55 minutes, departure to Istanbul on April 30 at 21:45, layover in Istanbul 1 hour and 40 minutes, departure to Moscow on May 1 at 20:20, arrival in Moscow on May 2 at 00:10
- or any other flight departing from Cartagena not earlier than lunchtime on April 30.

*Please do not purchase tickets without coordinating with us.
** Attention! The provided cruise plan is subject to change depending on weather conditions and other factors. All activities during the cruise depend on weather conditions and are determined by the expedition leader and the captain. The actual course of the expedition may differ from the stated one. The crew will do everything possible and even more to ensure that the cruise takes place according to the planned schedule.

Cost includes:

• All transfers: from the airport to the hotel the day before boarding the ship, from the hotel to the port on the day of boarding, from the port to the airport at the end of the cruise (group).
• Accommodation at the hotel before the cruise (1 night with breakfast), as well as on board in the cabin of your choice categories during the cruise, tips on board and port fees.
• Meals on board and room service, 24 hours a day, including soft drinks and some alcoholic drinks.
• Lecture programs of expeditionary experts and invited speakers.
• Shore excursion of choice by Swan Hellenic along the route.
• Basic WIFI package.
• Port and service fees.



Cost excludes (additionally paid):

• International flight to the port of the beginning of the cruise and back at the end of the cruise.
• Health insurance.
• Travel cancellation insurance.
• Alternative shore excursions at ports of call along the route.
• Premium brand alcoholic beverages, Spa and beauty treatments, laundry services, purchases in retail stores on board.


To take with:

• clothing sets appropriate to weather conditions, including light clothing sets (shorts, T-shirts) and warm clothing (sweatshirt, fleece, pants, breathable jacket), as well as long-sleeve shirts
• hats for different weather conditions: a cap / hat / sun hat and a hat for cold evenings
• swimsuit
• raincoat
• closed-toe trekking boots and comfortable lightweight shoes (sneakers)
• personal hygiene products
• personal medication (including analgesics, antiseptics, antibiotics, antivirals, intestines, multivitamins, regidron, plaster)
• sun and wind protectors (cream)
• sunglasses
• repellents: sprays, creams
• large suitcase or backpack for belongings
• small backpack for radial routes (25-30 liters)
• photo and video equipment, extra batteries